Monday, March 28, 2011

Hey Savvy Peeps!! We are so excited Spring is here!! So many crafty projects coming up! With Easter just weeks away we were inspired by this cute and crafty project we saw in our Woman's Day magazine the other day! We are not fans of Peeps to eat, but they sure do make a cute flower topiary. This idea would be cute decor for a kids Easter party, not to mention it costs next to nothing to make!

Here's What You Need:

2 boxes of Peeps (Dollar Tree)

4 3/4 in. Styrofoam circle (2/$1 Dollar Tree)

Wooden dowel ( Pack of 12/Dollar Tree)

Mini clay pot ( Pack of 3 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Easter grass or moss (Dollar Tree)

Green paint

Knife

Hot Glue

Begin by cutting out center of Styrofoam circle. The thinner the circle the better!

Once your center circle is cut out, place your Peeps on the circle with hot glue.

****The trick to putting these on is to not break them apart.****

*Place Peeps onto the circle by bending the Peeps slightly and placing them on with the hot glue.

*Allow the Peeps to dry, they can get sticky if you play with them too much!

*While waiting for the glue to dry, paint your dowel green.

*Place Peep Flower into the Styrofoam (use a dab of hot glue to secure).

*Place some more hot glue in the bottom of your clay pot and place other end of dowel into glue.

*Cover with Easter grass.

Here is a little more Peep inspiration for ya......

This FREE 8X10 printable from Flamingo Toes would be cute framed nest to your flower Peep topiary! And it comes in 4 fun pastel colors! Get yours here.

We cannot forget the kiddos! These FREE printable toppers from Eighteen25 are a great basket filler or gift for your kids teachers! Get yours here.

This twig wreath is simple and classic. Add some colored eggs with vinyl lettering or scrapbook stickers and glue on. You can change out the wreath each season by adding real or fake summer citrus fruits, or fall leaves for some color!

This moss wreath is naturally beautiful! Your local dollar stores right now are a great resource when stocking up on items such as bagged moss, styrofoam rings, and other Spring decor/materials that you may need to create this look.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

We are excited to share with you a wonderful Opportunity to have your stories heard and published. A second book in the 'Beyond Series' is being put together and the authors are looking for submissions. The book will be titled 'Beyond the Diaper Bag'. It will be a collection of stories, tips and inspiration covering all topics from pregnancy to kindergarten. They can be funny stories about embarrassing situations your children have landed you in or inspirational stories about how you overcame obstacles, such as postpartum depression or how you finally got your baby to sleep. Submit any stories you like and if they are selected, they will be publish them in the new book!

So what is this series and who are the authors?

OK Ladies take it away.....

We are titling all books in the series with 'beyond' in the spirit of thinking beyond ourselves. You can see the facebook page for our first bookhere. We donate all authors' proceeds to charity. Beyond the Diaper Bag's proceeds are being donated to The Mommies Network. Below are the details of our contest. The deadline is set for 3/30.

MelainaLausen and Megan Bekkedahl are the authors of The Beyond Series. They are both Air Force wives. The first book, Beyond the Clouds, was actually started as a project to keep Megan busy while her husband, Josh, was on a deployment to Afghanistan. He is getting ready for his third deployment this August. Megan's family is currently stationed in Los Angeles. She has two little boys Mason is 5 and Chase is 2.

Melaina is a stay at home mom and romance novelist. She has four children. They are currently stationed in Pensacola, Fl.

Things you need to know.*While we don't have a specific word count, we'd like the stories to range from 1-3 pages, single spaced.

*All proceeds will be donated to The Mommies Network. If you are selected as a winner of this contest, the prize is purely being included in this book. There are no entry fees and no monetary prizes.

*Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas!We are looking for honest accounts of parenting... the things nobody is talking about, but everyone is dealing with. We want to help and inspire new moms who aren't sure if they or their child is 'normal'. I think we've all been there! Here are some topics--body changes-emotional changes-how hard it actually is versus the illusion of the 'perfect baby'-when it's not what you thought it would be-embarrassing or humorous situations

**be sure to include how you dealt with these situations, what you did to get through them and good advice you were given- or have to give.

Monday, March 21, 2011

We were thrilled when we were asked to do a review of an amazing line of children's clothing called Vintage Coutureformerly known asMy Vintage Baby. We knew whatever we would be reviewing it was going to be fantastic and chic!

If you are not familiar with this line, let us share a little bit about this amazing line of children's clothing.

'Vintage Couture creates specialty brands of high end clothing across a multitude of diversified segments with the goal of making each brand a globally recognized fashion industry leader in quality and design. Vintage Couture is also committed to leveraging their brands to create and support innovative approaches in raising funds for organizations that are also committed to making a difference in people's lives.

Vintage Couture, Inc. is committed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and their goal of finding a cure for this awful disease. A percentage of profits from the sales of Vintage Couture clothing is donated to JDRF. In addition, at every opportunity, either product collateral or interviews of Vintage Couture celebrity spokesperson Trista Sutter, they are raising awareness of this disease and the need for others to get involved in finding a cure.'

Our little fashionistas, for the day, got to model the super comfy cotton 'Ditsy Dot Dress and 2 Piece Set. Vintage Couture's exclusive Ditsy Dots fabric is bright, fun and full of energy! Their cotton knit is soft and comfy for those hot summer days. We just love that the inspiration behind this comes from the big gumballs we all loved as kids. (Stay tuned for some savvy bubble gum inspiration soon!)Colors include: punches of pink, whitest white, and touches of teal.

This soft cotton knit two piece set is just as sassy as it is sweet! This set has ruffles galore, bling touches found on the flower neckline and crop leggings with grow tab waist.

Both the dress and 2 piece set were truly a perfect fit and were made from high quality cotton. We were so surprised just how soft each piece was. As Mom's we think it is always important when purchasing clothing to know that it will be something that is of good quality but also something that is comfortable. The girl's really enjoyed wearing these Ditsy Dot Vintage Couture pieces. If you are interested in ordering from Vintage Couture, you can order from a consultant in your area. You can find a consultant by going to: Find a DSRand then clicking on the Consultant’s website.

Monday, March 14, 2011

This week's Giveaway is from a talented Sister duo with a love for photography! We would first like to introduce you to Tammy of SewTamz Designs. Tammy was actually one of the first vendors to do a giveaway on our blog and we are really excited to be sharing her fabulous camera straps with you all again!

SewTamz creates personalized custom camera strap covers and straps for those Diva Photogs who want to look good and love designer fabrics & soft minky. SewTamz products are made from fresh and funky fabrics made by designers like Amy Butler, Michael Miller and Alexander Henry. The concept is to couple fashion with comfort by pairing designer fabrics with luxurious plush minky to create a super comfy, padded yet durable product.

Tammy also came up with a unique dual lens cap sleeve that provides functionality with personality. Simply slide the lens cap sleeve over your strap cover. It has dual pockets, one on each side so you can place your lens cap in one pocket and your ID, credit cards, business cards, SD/CF card, lens filter, USB or any other small goodies in the other pocket.

Next, we would like to introduce you to Tammy's sister Kathy of Artsy Canvas Girl Designs.Artsy Canvas Girl Designs creates personalized custom photo art. Kathy takes your special moments and thoughts and creates a masterpiece of your life printed on to canvas or photo prints. Your photo is turned into Custom Photo Art using topography, textures and color enhancement.

We are so excited that both Tammy and Kathy are giving credit to their shops to ONE lucky Savvy follower!

SewTamz would like to give a $35 store credit to use on your favorite camera strap AND Artsy Canvas Girl Designs would like to give a $50 store credit to use on your most cherished photo. Talented and generous......so here's

6) Become a fan of The Savvy Moms Guide on Facebook, and come back to let us know you are a fan here!

Winner will be chosen on Sunday March 20th, 2011 at 8:00pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen using random.org. This is a sponsored post for The Savvy Moms Guide.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Hi to all my fellow Moms out there...I am a forty year old wife, mother of two beautiful children, part time consultant in the beauty industry and now helping to launch a new jewelry line called BambooPink. I love to teach and inspire other women to look and feel their very best. After turning 40, I realized that we as Moms, don't have to look old and "frumpy". We can still look "hip" before and after we turn the big 4-0. As a result, I created a You Tube Channel to help other women look and feel their very best - it's called The Hip Chick Online. If you join me you'll find videos on hair, makeup and outfits.

About a month ago, I heard about a new opportunity from a friend of mine in Dallas who was asked to help launch a new jewelry company. I am usually pretty skeptical about these types of businesses, but I figured "what do I have to lose?" and so I signed up. I am so glad signed up - this company is going to be AMAZING!

Why did I sign up with BambooPink?BambooPink is backed by JudeFrances who sells beautiful high end jewelry at Neiman's and Saks. I don't think JudeFrances would put their name on anything they didn't truly believe in!This beautiful fashion jewelry line will be priced at $19-$200.This is truly a GROUND FLOOR Opportunity since the company has not officially launched yet. Sign-ups are FREE until March 15th.I also loved the idea that I don't have to host the traditional home parties. I can sell via "virtual trunk shows", sell from my website and do a few parties with my friends.

Bamboopink will have one of the most lucrative compensation plans in the industry.Since I signed up, I’ve been able to grow my team pretty quickly and wanted to share this opportunity with other Moms like you. I really feel that this will be an amazing opportunity and I'm excited to be a part of it.I would love to have you on my team and I'll help you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Sign up or email me for more information at bamboopinkvirginia@gmail.com.It's nice to meet other Mom's like me.

Friday, March 11, 2011

We are so excited to feature this positively precious Goldilocks & Three Bears Birthday Party submitted to us by our wonderfully talented friend Paula of Frog Prince Paperie. In fact, this party was so amazing that it got the recognition it deserved and was first featured on Amy Atlasyesterday! Congratulations Paula! So step in to a Classic Fairytale as told by Paula herself.....

I founded my business on a fairytale party (the frog prince), and it only seemed fitting that for my son's second birthday, another fairy tale should be the theme. Guests were invited to our Goldilocks and the Three Bears party with a Goldilocks board book with a bookplate/invitation on the inside cover sent "Bear Mail."

I attempted to create a feeling of being in the bear family house at baby bear's birthday. I used painted bead board as a backdrop with silhouettes of mama bear, papa bear and baby bear. Tiny sewn paper bunting added a birthday feel to the backdrop. The base table linens was sewn together patchwork gingham - casual, but mama bear's best! I topped this with a monogrammed white cloth.

The blocks were custom made by Laugh Loud Smile Bigto match the party and spell out Brennan's name. (So to make my daughter happy, they also spell Madeline!)

The kids ate all their goodies and lunches at a four-poster twin bed I converted into a kid-sized table. Party favors were porcelain bowls and wooden spoons personalized with each child's name and a small teddy bear nestled in the bowl.

I used dark woods in crates, trays and tiny dollhouse chairs to display desserts that might find their way into a bear celebration: baked porridge topped with maple frosting and cinnamon, marzipan acorns, honey cupcakes, chocolate covered bear pops, bear sugar cookies, and all natural lollipops.

Allyson Janeprovided the sugar cookies, and I baked the rest, save the cake! The cake was special; grandma flew in just for the party and made the cake for the birthday boy. Mama bear probably didn't deal in fondant or cake tips, so we left it very homemade with love looking and topped it with a little mini bunting and wooden bear.

Since we were entertaining 10 two year olds beginning at 10:30am, I also made a snack bar for the kids with berries (candy), mushrooms (cracker sticks with mushroom tops), twigs (pretzel sticks) and brown bears (teddy grahams.) Little boxes were set out at kid height so they could see what was in all the glass jars and help themselves.

There were also photo props for the kids to be silly with and have their picture taken.

Thank You Paula for letting us share this amazing day with all our readers. Your son's Birthday was yet another Classic Fairytale created by one fantastic Mama Bear! We look forward to reading more!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Martha Stewarts Dreamers into Doers is a Community filled with amazingly talented women. Last fall we met Margaret Norcott, Principal of Milieu Design Group through Dreamers into Doers. Her work is flawless and fabulous. We were totally smitten with this Kids Craft Suite she designed for the Atlanta Symphony Show House and Gardens. We knew we had to share it with you.

Be prepared to be inspired. And enjoy …

Did you see the color pencil mural.....And the window seat storage.

Really, Can you imagine having this in your home? Our kids would never want or need to leave their playrooms if they looked. Every Detail is perfection.

Now we want to run out and redecorate our Playrooms.

We told you it was Stunning.

This amazing space has been featured on Living Locurto, Project Nursery, and The Daily Decorator Blog, just to name a few. Honestly all things MDGcreates are fabulous and Eye Catching. In fact their Beverly Hillbillies set from The Next Cool Thing Event has been invited to be showcased in The Atlanta Home Show. And Margaret will be speaking there too.

Off to color, paint, cut, sew and craft (we were inspired) by this space.

Winner will be chosen on Sunday March 13, 2011 at 8:00pm (PST). Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen using random.org. This is a sponsored post for The Savvy Moms Guide.